Sec. 07.02.07.17. Provision of Services

A. If a local department determines that, as a result of its CPS response, ongoing services are appropriate, it shall immediately refer the case to local department staff providing those services or to service providers outside of the local department.

B. If the local department provides continuing child welfare services through purchase or referral, the local department shall share information regarding the CPS response with the provider as appropriate to the case and in accordance with confidentiality provisions of Regulation .21 of this chapter.

C. If the local department determines that a child is a CINA or would benefit from a voluntary placement, the local department shall file a petition with the court in accordance with Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §§3-809 and 3-811, Annotated Code of Maryland.

D. Regardless of whether the local department initiates a CINA proceeding, the local department shall continue, as appropriate, to assess the child's safety and provide services.

E. If an investigation results in a finding of indicated and a child under the age of three is a member of the maltreator’s or victim’s household or is in the care or custody of the maltreator, the department shall make a referral to the lead public agency responsible for providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State.